Drew Doesn't Want to Hear From Dead Wife

Drew Peterson doesn't want to hear from his former wife.

His attorneys are challenging the new hearsay law in Illinois which has come to be known as "Drew's Law." The law, enacted last year, would allow statements from Peterson's third wife, Kathleen Savio, to be submitted as evidence.

Peterson's attorneys said the law is unconstitutional because it would allow gossip, rumor and innuendo to enter the court. They also say it would be unconstitutional to use a law passed after a crime was committed.

"Any attempt to introduce evidence through this statute violates the ex post facto provision of the United States Constitution," said Andrew Abood, one of Peterson's defense attorneys, in a news release.

The motion was expected. After Peterson's arrest this year for the 2004 slaying of Savio, Will County State's Attorney James Glasgow said he planned to use the new law to let Savio tell jurors why Peterson wanted her dead.

Savio told several people before she died that she was afraid her husband would kill her. Peterson is also a suspect in the disappearance of his fourth wife, Stacy, but denies any wrongdoing.

Similar hearsay laws exist in 12 other states, including Wisconsin.